California Pizza Kitchen reaches Shanghai, China

06/07/05 California Pizza Kitchen, Inc., home of the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza and other innovative hearth-baked pizzas, made-to-order pastas, creative salads, appetizers, soups, sandwiches and desserts, opened its first restaurant in Shanghai, China on July 5 at 109 Retail Plaza in the West Tower of Shanghai Center.

Using only the highest quality fresh produce and U.S. imported ingredients prepared daily, all CPK pizzas are hearth-baked in an imported open flame pizza oven. Sealing in the flavor of ingredients and imparting a natural smoky taste, the short cooking time coupled with intense heat preserves the natural fresh flavors of the toppings.

Along with the popular BBQ Chicken Pizza, the California Pizza Kitchen menu features a wide variety of California-style items including everything from the California Club Pizza and Jamaican Jerk Pizza to Kung Pao Spaghetti, Chicken and Shrimp Jambalaya and Thai Linguine. Goat cheese, avocados, bean sprouts, spicy Thai sauces and of course, the Original BBQ Chicken with its sweet and spicy sauce, are just some of the ingredients to top CPK's creative pizzas. A special kids' menu is also available for children 10 and under.

California Pizza Kitchen is a leader in California-style cuisine and is widely known for its innovative menu items. The chain operates, licenses or franchises 180 restaurants of which 149 are company-owned and 31 operate under franchise or license agreements. California Pizza Kitchen provides a range of creative salads, appetizers, pastas, soups, and sandwiches. Children who dine at California Pizza Kitchen choose from an extensive menu, recently named "The Best Kids Menu in America" by Restaurant Hospitality Magazine.

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